On June 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., the Hawthorne Police Department ran south on Hawthorne Boulevard, and handed the Special Olympics torch to personnel from the City of Lawndale/Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, South Los Angeles Station and Lawndale Service Center. The Lawndale personnel were honored to carry the torch through the City of Lawndale. Many of the personnel donated their time to be able to participate in this worthwhile event. Sirens could be heard as the runners carried the torch through major intersections. Motorists were honking their horns in support and others gave a "thumbs up" as they took photographs of the runners.

Lawndale Council member Pat Kearney and his family participated in the torch run. Lawndale Mayor, Harold Hofmann and South Los Angeles Sheriff's Station Captain, Eli Vera were on hand to support the runners and the Special Olympics. There were also Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies in black and white police cars providing traffic control and security for the runners. Upon leaving the City of Lawndale, the runners handed the torch to officers from the Gardena Police Department who continued with the Torch Run.

The three Lawndale children that participated in the torch run were presented with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department pins for recognition of their participation in the 2013 torch run.

On June 8 and 9, 1,100 athletes from across Southern California will compete at the 2013 Special Olympics Summer Games at California State University, Long Beach. The Games will feature six spring/summer sports athletics (track & field), aquatics, basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics.

In preparation for the Games, more than 4,000 officers and Special Olympics athletes have been proudly running with the "Flame of Hope" to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which began on May 28, consists of three distinct legs. Officers started each leg in Southern California and followed a unique path. The officers from all three routes will join together at the Summer Games on June 8 to light the cauldron and symbolize the start of the Games. In total, the officers ran more than 1,500 miles with the torch and through 200 communities.

A special "thank you" goes to Lawndale Council member Pat Kearney for support and participation in the 2013 Special Olympic Torch Run.

Lieutenant John Hocking

South Los Angeles Sheriff's Station

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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